<p>Karnataka Agriculture Minister Umesh Katti today said he is firm on his stand that North Karnataka be made a separate state by 2020 for better development of the region.<br /><br /></p>.<p>"I am firm on the stand the North Karnataka be granted separate statehood by 2020 for its better development", he told reporters here.<br /><br />Katti said the concept of small states would become a reality by the year 2020 and the country would have around 50 states as against 31 at present.<br /><br />"There will be demand for such a state from the public in the coming days", he said.<br />To a query if he feared he could be axed from his post for his statement, Katti said, "I am not worried even if I lose my ministership".</p>
<p>Karnataka Agriculture Minister Umesh Katti today said he is firm on his stand that North Karnataka be made a separate state by 2020 for better development of the region.<br /><br /></p>.<p>"I am firm on the stand the North Karnataka be granted separate statehood by 2020 for its better development", he told reporters here.<br /><br />Katti said the concept of small states would become a reality by the year 2020 and the country would have around 50 states as against 31 at present.<br /><br />"There will be demand for such a state from the public in the coming days", he said.<br />To a query if he feared he could be axed from his post for his statement, Katti said, "I am not worried even if I lose my ministership".</p>